Menstruation is not coming, what is going on, and it is closely related to these three factors.

Menstruation is often considered a signal of women’s health status. Being a few days late can be anxiety-inducing, worrying about unintended pregnancy and overall health. The menstrual cycle is influenced by various factors, and occasional deviations of a few days are usually normal, even a delay of 3 to 4 days should not cause excessive concern. However, if the menstrual cycle is consistently irregular, especially if delayed by more than 10 days, this could be a warning sign from the body. This may indicate issues with the endocrine system or gynecological diseases. For women trying to conceive, it could also be a sign of pregnancy. Endocrine disorders are a common cause of delayed menstruation. For example, polycystic ovary syndrome, a reproductive endocrine disease that affects women of childbearing age, often accompanied by high levels of male hormones and delayed menstruation. Patients may also experience increased body hair, acne, or infertility. Hyperprolactinemia is also a factor affecting menstruation; it can cause menstrual cycle disruptions, leading to amenorrhea or abnormal milk secretion. Some COVID-19 survivors have reported significant delays in their menstrual cycles; although there is no direct evidence linking the two, the physical stress during the virus infection, such as high fever, pain, and insomnia, could interfere with ovarian hormone secretion, indirectly affecting the menstrual cycle. When facing endocrine imbalances, it is important to adjust one’s lifestyle. Once the body recovers, the menstrual cycle often regulates itself. Gynecological diseases such as acute or chronic cervicitis, endometrial polyps, can also disrupt the menstrual cycle, causing early or delayed periods, along with symptoms such as abdominal pain and prolonged menstruation. Comprehensive gynecological examinations and targeted treatments are crucial in such cases. For women in the preconception period, a delay of more than 10 days in menstruation is highly likely a sign of pregnancy due to rising pregnancy hormone levels that disrupt the regular menstrual cycle. Pregnancy can be confirmed through early pregnancy tests or blood HCG tests, followed by prenatal monitoring. In conclusion, occasional menstrual delays should not cause excessive worry. Maintaining good lifestyle habits, avoiding excessive fatigue, ensuring adequate sleep, and having a balanced diet can all help in the self-regulation of the menstrual cycle.